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Method and apparatus for altering and/or minimizing underwater noise

a technology of underwater noise and mask, applied in underwater equipment, breathing masks, breathing protection, etc., can solve the problems of generating substantial noise and startling fish respons

Inactive Publication Date: 2011-04-12
HALLIDAY CHRISTOPHER I
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]In another embodiment, a composition includes a second stage scuba regulator and a frequency adjustor wherein the frequency adjustor has an average porosity between 100 and 500 microns and a void volume of greater than 20%, and wherein less than 80% of the void volume of the frequency adjustor is filled with water in 1 to 3 seconds during a diver inhalation; wherein the frequency adjustor is in fluid communication with the second stage scuba regulator such that at least a portion of exhaled gas is urged to exit the second stage regulator and enter the frequency adjustor; wherein at least 50% of the volume of gas exhaled by the diver exits the frequency adjustor and enters the water over the time of a diver exhalation; and wherein the frequency adjustor alters the frequency of sound produced by exhaled gas by increasing the amount of sound produced by the bubbles to above 105 Hz and by reducing the amount of sound produced by the bubbles between 10 and 100 Hz.
[0009]b. reducing the bubble size of the bubbles exiting the frequency adjustor into surrounding fluid relative to the size of the bubbles in the absence of the frequency adjustor; and
[0010]c. increasing the frequency of sound produced by the bubbles exiting the frequency adjustor into surrounding fluid to a frequency that approximates the background noise of the fluid into which the bubbles are introduced.

Problems solved by technology

A major problem facing recreational divers and the like is the startle response of fish caused by a diver's exhalation through an open circuit breathing system.
The bubbles from the diver's exhalation normally pass the face, and generate substantial noise as they grow and coalesce.
The problem has been previously addressed by divers through potentially harmful breath holding and conversion to closed circuit breathing systems.

Method used

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  • Method and apparatus for altering and/or minimizing underwater noise
  • Method and apparatus for altering and/or minimizing underwater noise
  • Method and apparatus for altering and/or minimizing underwater noise

Examples

Experimental program
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Effect test

example 1

[0128]A conventional bubble diverter of the second stage of a Mares brand regulator was removed and replaced with a sealing cup of the invention which formed a tight fit around the exhalation port of the second stage. The sealing cup was glued into place with an acrylic glue and sealed using conventional silicone. A plastic tube having an approximate length of about three feet was connected to the sealing cup which in turn was connected to a frequency adjustor manifold. All leaks were sealed with silicone. The plastic tube was then connected to the second stage regulator hose using zip ties. The manifold, having an internal check valve, was then attached to the first stage by using a screw and o-ring to secure the manifold via a low pressure port on the manifold. A frequency adjustor made from Porex, having an average porosity of about 100 microns, a length of about seven inches, a wall thickness of about 0.2 inches and a central bore having a length of about 6.5 inches and a centra...

example 2

[0129]Both sides of a bubble diverter of the second stage of a Mares brand regulator were connected to a frequency adjustor made from Porex, having an average porosity of about 100 microns, a length of about 5.0 inches, a wall thickness of about 0.2 inches and a central bore having a length of about 5.0 inches and a central bore diameter of about 0.8 inches. The connection was made by forming a soft plastic drysuit wrist seal around a side of a bubble diverter and then gluing the other side to the frequency adjustor. The same was performed on the other side of the bubble diverter. Once sealed, exhaled air was forced through the frequency adjustor to check for leaks, which were sealed using conventional silicone. The first stage was then coupled to a scuba tank which contained air at a pressure of about 3000 psi.

example 3

[0130]A videographer and two divers, the first (diver 1) using the regulator system described in Example 1 and the second (diver 2) using the regulator system described in Example 2, entered the water at the Turtle Farm Reef on Grand Cayman. At thirty feet, each diver began to use the frequency adjustors. The frequency adjustor of diver 1 initially failed to function properly and it was discovered that the frequency adjustor was over tightened within the manifold and thereby prevented the check valve from operating properly. At about thirty feet of sea water, the frequency adjustor was loosened slightly and the system began to function normally.

[0131]Periodically divers 1 and 2 would switch between conventional regulators and the frequency adjustors. It was observed that approach distances (i.e., the distance a diver can approach a fish before the fish exhibits a startle response and / or swims away) were 40% to 50% shorter when then the frequency adjustor was used. In one instance, d...

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PUM

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Abstract

To reduce or eliminate the startle response in aquatic life, embodiments of the present invention alter the sound produced by a diver's exhaled bubbles by adjusting up or down the frequency of the sound produced by the bubbles.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60 / 937,161, filed Jun. 26, 2007, 60 / 967,631, filed Sep. 6, 2007, and 61 / 007,793, filed Dec. 13, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]This invention relates broadly to SCUBA (self contained under water breathing apparatus).[0003]A major problem facing recreational divers and the like is the startle response of fish caused by a diver's exhalation through an open circuit breathing system. The bubbles from the diver's exhalation normally pass the face, and generate substantial noise as they grow and coalesce. The problem has been previously addressed by divers through potentially harmful breath holding and conversion to closed circuit breathing systems.[0004]Accordingly, the present invention addresses the fish startle response problem and provides inexpensive solutions to the fish startle response pr...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Patents(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B63C11/12
CPCB63C11/02B63C11/2227
Inventor HALLIDAY, CHRISTOPHER I.
Owner HALLIDAY CHRISTOPHER I
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